The Notable Films of 2012: Volume Four

In this fourth volume I look at films that include a more grounded take on GI Joe, Baz Luhrmann’s attempt at adapting the classic American novel, Liam Neeson beating the crap out of wolves, fairy tale kiddies becoming gun-wielding adults,

There’s also Charlie Sheen’s first post-‘Men’ leading role, the Greek Gods living as modern Manhattan roommates, the return of James Patterson’s hero Alex Cross, a new dimension for Michael Myers, a truly ambitious sci-fi epic, and two of the biggest literary adaptations of the year – one with dwarves, the other a teen death match…

Analysis: 1997’s “Kiss the Girls”, a film adaptation of the James Patterson book, remains a quite strong feature in spite of its embrace of genre cliches. Strong lead performances anchor the story of a woman (Ashley Judd) who escaped the clutches of a serial killer named Casanova and helps forensic psychologist Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) track him down. It was a profitable success for Paramount, enough that Freeman returned to play Cross again in the less well-received “Along Came a Spider” in 2001.

Fifteen years on since ‘Girls’ and a decision has been made to restart the franchise over at Summit, this time utilising the twelfth book in the series “Cross”. In this outing, the character is now retired from the FBI but is drawn back in to find a killer, only to learn it may be the same man responsible for the murder of his wife twelve years ago.

Originally David Twohy was slated to direct with Idris Elba starring as Cross. Instead the producers have opted for curious choices – action tentpole director Rob Cohen and playwright/actor Tyler Perry in the titular role. While Perry’s name will draw its own audience, it also brings with it some baggage – especially with critics – while fans of the book character aren’t likely to be as pleased as they were with Freeman. A project which has a lot to prove, can it work?